Venture Trust is a third sector organisation which offers outdoor personal development programmes designed to support people in making positive changes to their situation, including in the Forth Valley area. Their Inspiring Young Futures programme aims to help disengaged young people aged 16 – 25 years.

The Inspiring Young Futures programme supports young people to develop sustainable lifestyles and reach positive destinations in employment, education, training and volunteering.

Venture Trust provides intensive personal development for young people who may be struggling with many and complex issues. Initial support for young people take place in their local community (mainly 1:1 support, but also occasional group work); all meetings are currently taking place outdoors while following social distancing regulations. The support provided is in preparation for completing a wilderness journey, currently 4 days and 3 nights in duration. While on their journey, the young people will be fully supported by the Venture Trust field team.

Venture Trust’s approach comprises of experiential learning, choice theory/reality therapy, and pro-social modelling. They believe that the outdoors offers inherent challenge for individuals, as well as space to reflect on their beliefs, attitudes and behaviours.

With this time and space away from influences at home, young people can unlock skills and learn new more positive ways of approaching situations. The main aim is to equip and prepare young people to access mainstream support while being open to further learning and more able to sustain employment. There is no cost to referrers or individuals to work with Venture Trust, who work closely with participants upon their return to provide further support, helping them to meet their goals and make the changes they want.

For further information, please view or download the Venture Trust leaflet; alternatively, to make a referral, visit the online form. Participants and young people may also self-refer.